UEFA imposes lifetime ban on Czech coach over changing room misconduct
European football’s regulator orders the Football Association of the Czech Republic to revoke coaching credentials following convictions for secret filming of players.
The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has issued a lifetime ban to Petr Vlachovsky, prohibiting the Czech women’s football coach from exercising any football-related activity. The decision follows an investigation into allegations of potential misconduct involving the secret filming of players in changing rooms.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the CEDB confirmed it had ordered the Football Association of the Czech Republic to revoke Vlachovsky’s coaching licence. The body also requested that FIFA extend the ban on a worldwide level, ensuring the sanction applies beyond domestic jurisdiction.
Vlachovsky was previously convicted in May 2025, receiving a suspended one-year prison sentence and a five-year domestic coaching ban. The offences involved players from FC Slovacko, with the youngest player affected being 17 years old. Czech media reports indicate that Vlachovsky confessed and expressed regret in the indictment.
FC Slovacko terminated its cooperation with Vlachovsky in 2023 upon becoming aware of the allegations. A club spokesperson described the incident as a deeply serious and distressing matter that had a significant impact on the club and the players involved. The club stated it acted immediately to terminate the relationship and cooperated with authorities, regarding itself as an injured party throughout the process.
The players’ union FIFPRO welcomed the UEFA decision, noting that it sends a strong message regarding safeguarding player wellbeing. The union emphasised that abusive and inappropriate behaviour has no place in football and that protecting players must remain a priority at every level of the game. Vlachovsky had previously served as coach of the Czech women’s Under-19 team.
